Tuesday 16 June 2009

Police Ask Rockness Revellers for Feedback

Following the overall success of Rockness 2009, Northern Constabulary police force is asking revellers for their views on how well the music event was policed.

Around 35,000 people attended the festival at Dores on the shores of Loch Ness at the weekend. Music fans are invited to e-mail their comments to Northern Constabulary police at feedback@northern.pnn.police.uk

Fifteen people have been reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with drug offences.

During the three day event about 800 people needed medical assistance, most of them suffering from the effects of a previous medical condition or simply had forgotten to take their prescribed medication with them (asthmatics, diabetics etc).

There was one case where a young man suffered superficial burns to his hands after using a gas canister at the festival campsite.

A 22-year-old man who was attending the gathering died after being taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness on Saturday evening.

James Smith, who had brittle bone disease and used a wheelchair, had gone with VIP tickets. Police said he became ill shortly after arriving at the festival with a friend.

Mr Smith, from Elgin, was a keen bowler and had been shortlisted to take part in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Chief Superintendent Andy Cowie said the fourth year of the festival saw fewer thefts, incidents of public disorder and assaults.

He said: "I think this is reflective of the carnival atmosphere and general good humour of the crowd over the weekend.

"We have had a significant number of positive drugs searches and a total of 15 people reported to the procurator fiscal in connection with alleged drug possession with intent to supply, which are both up on last year."

The officer added: "We are welcoming any feedback that festival goers have on the policing of the event."

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